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Our Story

Since its inception in 1994, Castle Rock Winery has built an enviable reputation for producing high quality wines at affordable prices. This winning formula has been highly successful, as proven by an increasing number of customers and members of the wine press who have given the wines glowing reviews.

Castle Rock buys grapes from approximately 40 grape growers, all renowned for their expertise and consistency. In each case, vineyard practices are carried out under the guidance and instruction of Castle Rock’s winemaker, August Briggs, all to ensure that quality standards are maintained from start to finish.

After the harvest, the wines are made in accordance with Castle Rock’s winemaking standards, and are bottled at wineries, boasting state-of-the-art equipment, located in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and Washington’s Columbia Valley.

Castle Rock’s business model aims to please, lovely on the palate, easy on the wallet. By virtue of having a low overhead, (no nagging real estate mortgages, no marketing teams or large staff to employ, and no elaborate facilities) Castle Rock is able to funnel all their capital into making the best possible wine for the best possible price.

The Players

Greg Popovich, Founder and President, has been in the wine business for over 25 years. His “delicious wines at great prices” formula has become a reality with the creation of Castle Rock. His passion for wine can now be seen in his leadership as he sets the strategic direction of the business and spearheads the company’s commercial and marketing activities.

Chris Noble, Co-owner and Chief Operating Officer joined Castle Rock in 2003, bringing Castle Rock a wealth of business experience from retail and other industries. He is responsible for all operational and financial aspects of the business, including production, supplies, distribution, sales, contracts, and public affairs.

August “Joe” Briggs, Winemaker, is one of the most well regarded figures within the California Wine industry. Since 1995 Joe has a celebrated winery located in Calistoga. He’s been our winemaker for over fifteen years, graduating from Fresno State in the early 80s, working as a Pinot Noir specialist, first at Alpine Vineyards in Oregon and then at La Crema in Sonoma County. His experience working in several viticultural areas has taught him where to find the greatest vineyard sites and how to work with vineyard owners in a partnership to produce great wines.